Abhijit Banerjee Ensemble & Kenny Endo

Improvisation is the hallmark of an evening featuring Tarang, an ensemble of superb percussionists, blending intricate rhythmic structures with melodies based on Indian classical music. Led by tabla master Abhijit Banerjee, the array of instruments is unique, combining Indian percussion instruments such as the tabla, pakhawaj (double-headed drum), and khanjira (tambourine-like frame drum) with foreign instruments--such as the mandolin and the box-shaped cajon, a drum of Afro-Peruvian origin--and also incorporating folk instruments from rural India, including the khamak (drum with one string) and the ektara (ancient one-stringed instrument). Guided by a cascade of sollukattu (rhythmic vocalization), the result is a startlingly complex musical juggernaut sweeping toward nada Yoga or divine vibration.

Performers include: Snehasish Majumdar, Somnath Roy, Rajshekar and Gautam Shome. Tarang will be joined by special guest Kenny Endo, the renowned Japanese taiko drum master.

If you are interested in other events in the World Festival of Sacred Music, click

on the logo at the top for the festival web site or the festival brochure can be viewed by clicking here. (Adobe Acrobat required, 3MB download.)